How to make the best of your layover in Panama City

Ah, layovers. Any traveler dreads them. But when flights are cheaper with layovers, sometimes we just have to bite the bullet and go for it. Admittedly, they can be one of the worst things about traveling, especially if they are unexpectantly thrown at you, as a result of delayed or canceled flights. 

Traveling to many Central or South American countries, especially when flying from North America or Europe, you may find yourself taking a layover in Panama City. Unfortunately, to say, some of these layovers can be rather long. But all is not lost. In fact, quite the opposite. This guide aims to share with you some of the best things in Panama City that will turn your layover from an annoyance to a sightseeing, whistle-stop adventure. 

Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, I’ve had lots of people in the past ask me about those infuriating middle-ground layovers. The ones that are too short to venture too far from the city, but long enough for you to twiddle your thumbs. We’re talking the 4–5 hour-long layovers. 

Put simply, it depends on the airport you’re in. Fortunately, for those traveling through Panama City, Panama Viejo is a short taxi drive from the airport. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Panama Viejo contains the last remaining fragments of the former capital of Panama. It was destroyed back in 1671, by Welsh pirates. In just 15 minutes, you can be walking around the old ruins in a 2-hour guided tour; plenty of time to get back through security and customs. 

But, for those who have layovers between 6-8 hours, there is a wealth of opportunities to be seized in the capital of this Central American country. Of course, this all depends on the preferences of travelers; whether you like culture and history, or a connection with nature. Luckily, Panama City has both.

But before all that, the often stressful and busy customs. I would always allow upwards of 1 hour for this part, especially with the current global pandemic. After the logistics have been navigated, allow another 30 minutes or so to travel into the city. Now, you can begin the adventure. Read on to find out what you can achieve with 8 hours in this city layover.

• Parque Metropolitano  

In the busy metropolis of Panama City, with its great towering skyscrapers, it may come as a surprise that a thriving jungle ecosystem can be found in its heart. At 573 acres, the Metropolitan Natural Park contains the remnants of the former tropical glory that once stretched across this land.

Miraculously, one of the rarest ecosystems makes up much of this park: the dry lowland Pacific Forest. Across Central America, this ecosystem is severely under threat, due to persistent deforestation. It is thought that over 250 bird species can be found here, as well as a high diversity of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. You are likely to spot one of Central America’s most iconic residents: the two-toed sloth. 

There is over 5km of trails leading throughout the park, some offering spectacular views of Panama City. 

• Casco Viejo 

Following the destruction of Panama Viejo, the historic district of Casco Viejo was completed shortly after, in 1673. Similar to its destroyed counterpart, the colonial district is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

One of the main attractions of the region is La Catedral Metropolitana, the main church in Panama City. But this is far from the only attraction in the area. Walk along the cobbled and quaint streets and explore the riches of this charming town. Discover an array of churches, government buildings and plazas, bustling with people. 

After exploring the old streets of Casco Viejo, you can easily grab a bite to eat from any of the numerous eateries or markets. Bear in mind, however, time is limited, so you don’t want to be waiting around in a busy restaurant for hours. Why not try the local fish market, where quick yet tasty ceviche (citrus-cured fish) can be found. 

• Panama Canal

It wouldn’t seem right to visit Panama City and not see Panama Canal. Even if your interests lay elsewhere, the magnificent sight is truly one to behold. For those who are thinking “ships are boring”, other activities can be found, such as bird watching. A surprising number of species can be found around the canal, from typical aquatic birds to slightly out-of-place birds of prey. 

Just a 25-minute drive from the airport, via uber or taxi, you can cast your eyes upon the impressive structure that connects the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. At just over 80km long, and completed in 1914, the Panama Canal remains to this day one of the greatest engineering projects ever undertaken. 

Watch the gargantuan ships squeeze through the passageway on the viewing platform or nearby restaurant. Learn about the construction and history behind the Panama Canal in the local museum and simply marvel at the incredible infrastructure. 

Panama City is one unique city in Central America, and it is certainly worth your time if you wish to explore on your layover. After all, anything beats sitting 8 hours in an airport! 

But don’t forget, you will still need to travel back to the airport and go through security and customs once more, so don’t feel like you must squeeze in everything during this short trip. I would allow at least a few hours for this part, so if you’re concerned about time, just select one or two of the options. But you should have plenty of time to discover either a little culture or nature (or both). 

There are opportunities to book through specialized companies that are experts within the field of Panama City Day Trips. There are a variety of options on offer, from 4 to 6 hours, custom-made tours. But this isn’t a necessity, as many of the suggested trips are just a short taxi or uber ride from the airport.